Ming Dynasty.
Wudang Taiji Hall.
"Master, what is this Divine Illumination Scripture? I've never heard of it before. Is it another hidden, world-shaking secret technique?" Yu Daiyan asked.
"I am not sure either," Zhang Sanfeng shook his head.
"But as for Mei Niansheng, I've met him a few times."
"He was a well-respected martial artist from Jiangnan in the Ming Dynasty, known as the Iron-Boned Ink Blossom, a true hero without question."
"Though he had the cultivation of a Great Grandmaster, he remained indifferent to fame and fortune, treated wealth as dirt, and carried deep concern for the people of the world."
"His renowned Liancheng Sword Technique once shook the martial world, and now it turns out he also possessed the Divine Illumination Scripture."
"For Di Yun to become his successor, he must not be an evil person."
Zhang Sanfeng stroked his long beard and sighed with emotion.
"Grandmaster, this Enlightenment Pill can actually increase comprehension. Could it really be an immortal pill?"
"If I took it, wouldn't my training progress much faster?" Song Qingshu's eyes flashed with greed as he focused on the ranking's reward.
If he had that pill, he could surely master Wudang's secret arts quickly.
The next time he saw his beloved Zhiruo, she would surely look at him with admiration.
Zhang Sanfeng was also slightly tempted by the thought.
If he had such a pill, perhaps his Taiji cultivation could reach a new height.
However, his strong mindset quickly brought him back to calm.
"Such divine arts and immortal pills are not for those without great fate. It is best to focus on our own path and not be too attached."
"Alright, I just received a letter from Abbess Miejue. She is planning to unite the six great sects to attack the Ming Cult at Bright Peak."
"Yuanqiao, I will leave this matter in your hands."
———
Ming Dynasty.
By a River.
"Brother Ding Dian, thank you so much this time."
"If not for you, my junior sister would have been ruined by that beast Wan Gui. On top of that, you also taught me the Divine Illumination Scripture, giving me the strength to protect myself."
A simple and honest young man spoke gratefully to the refined gentleman across from him.
"Brother Di Yun, you are kind by nature and possess a heroic heart. I felt a strong bond with you."
"Passing on the Divine Illumination Scripture to you is not a waste."
"Now that you have entered the Hidden Dragon Ranking, it proves I did not misjudge you."
Ding Dian laughed heartily and patted Di Yun on the shoulder.
Di Yun laughed awkwardly, feeling a bit shy.
"Oh right, Brother, please take this Enlightenment Pill." Di Yun quickly took out the pill and handed it over.
"No need. I am already a Great Grandmaster. It will benefit you more."
"Well then, let us part ways here. If you ever have time, come visit me at my secluded home."
The refined man gave a hearty laugh.
Then with a light tap of his foot, his figure leapt toward the small boat on the river.
Moments later, the boat had disappeared from Di Yun's sight.
Watching Ding Dian leave, a surge of heroic passion rose in Di Yun's heart.
He must train hard in the Divine Illumination Scripture and reach the level of a grandmaster as soon as possible.
Only then would he have the strength to protect his junior sister.
He would never allow himself to be harmed again by villains like Wan Zhenshan and Wan Gui.
Small Boat on the River.
"Husband, is everything taken care of?"
As soon as he returned, a graceful woman with a quiet and elegant temperament stepped up to greet him.
"My dear, it is all done. From now on, we retreat from the martial world and no longer involve ourselves in its affairs."
"That is wonderful. But husband, will you not avenge Master Mei?"
"Hmph, those three traitorous disciples of Master Mei will suffer their own retribution even if I don't act. Killing them would only dirty my hands."
Ding Dian's face showed a rare expression of disgust.
"I have already found an outstanding successor for Master Mei. One day, Di Yun will become famous throughout the Nine Provinces. That is the best way to honor Master Mei."
"Alright, everything will follow your decision."
"To think, for us to have such a happy ending, we really must thank our benefactor."
"If it weren't for them, you might have been buried alive by your heartless father."
"I wish I could kill him myself to vent my hatred. Who would have thought a father could be so cruel and venomous?"
As she said this, a rare killing intent appeared on Ding Dian's face.
"Enough. It's all in the past. Let's not speak of him again."
———
Ming Dynasty Imperial Palace.
"Another martial art I've never heard of! The Divine Illumination Scripture sounds so powerful."
"Now that the Hidden Dragon Ranking has appeared, I feel like I know nothing at all."
The empress gazed up at the golden ranking in the sky, her beautiful eyes filled with curiosity.
"The Divine Illumination Scripture is a profoundly mysterious technique. It cultivates both internally and externally, gradually reaching the state of seated divine illumination. The inner energy produced is extremely pure."
"Most importantly, it can heal internal injuries and even revive the dead."
Seeing the empress's curious expression, Zhu Houzhao spoke proudly.
"It can even bring the dead back to life? Isn't that a bit exaggerated?"
"It is absolutely true. Even if someone has been dead for an hour, they can still be revived."
The empress's eyes lit up upon hearing this, her heart stirred.
Was this still martial arts?
This practically sounded like an immortal cultivation technique.
"Divine Illumination Scripture…"
Zhu Houzhao muttered quietly, then smiled faintly.
He thought of that calm and elegant woman and that refined man.
———
It was one of the rare times Zhu Houzhao had acted with genuine kindness.
Dragon Guarding Manor
Zhu Wushi and his four elite agents of Heaven, Earth, Profound, and Yellow all stared at the ranking in the sky.
"Tianya, Yidao, the two of you go find Di Yun and bring him to the Dragon Guarding Manor."
Zhu Wushi's eyes glinted sharply as he gave the order.
"Godfather, is it necessary to take him so seriously?"
"Even if Di Yun made it onto the Hidden Dragon Ranking, he's just a Late Innate cultivator. He's no major threat."
Duan Tianya asked in confusion.
"The world of the Nine Provinces is vast, and Innate experts are countless. For Di Yun to make it into the ten remaining slots, he is certainly not to be underestimated."
"He may not be of much use now, but that may change in the future."
"If he grows stronger, the Dragon Guarding Manor will have one more Great Grandmaster."
"With that, we'll have a better chance against the Eastern Factory."
"On the other hand, if Cao Zhengchun gets to him first, it may endanger the entire Ming Dynasty."
Zhu Wushi spoke with righteous solemnity.
"We will follow your command, Godfather!"
"By the way, Cheng Shifei, how are things going with Yun Luo?"
"Don't worry, Divine Marquis. With me, the love saint, taking the lead, winning over Princess Yun Luo is just a matter of time!" Cheng Shifei replied smugly.